Medications to Treat Anxiety
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety, sometimes an infrequent course of medication is necessary. Iam Psychiatry and tranquilizers are among the drugs that can be used to combat anxiety.
SSRI antidepressants, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) can improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain, and may reduce anxiety. SNRIs that target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine can also be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are typically the first medication prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. They stop nerve cells from re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, a chemical which is essential for regulating mood. It takes some time for the medications to begin working but most people start feeling better after 4 to 6 weeks. SSRIs do not develop a habit and are not addicting, therefore they can be used for a lengthy time.
Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. These SNRIs include citalopram and escitalopram and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine (Anxiety Disorder Stimulant) also treat depression and anxiety. Mirtazapine, a novel antidepressant is often used to treat anxiety disorders.
Doctors do not know the function of SNRIs and SSRIs however they do are aware that they enhance the activity of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within the brain. They stop the brain from absorbing chemicals and allow these chemicals to interact with receptors.
SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also be helpful with bulimia, however it is less common.
People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs might be prescribed an antipsychotic atypical drug. Examples include quetiapine (Abilify), and aripiprazole (Risperdal). These medications ease anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are typically prescribed in combination with an antidepressant and have a lower chance of serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-blockers, can be used to treat anxiety and are often prescribed for heart ailments. Examples are propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). They can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. They can help in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to treat symptoms when other medication aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and addictive.
SNRIs
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. They function in a similar way as SSRIs but also increase the quantity of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. In turn, they are usually more effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are most effective in conjunction with other treatment strategies and talk therapy.
Unlike benzodiazepines SNRIs don't cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients may be prone to withdrawal after stopping the medication after a long time of usage. This is why it is important to speak with your physician prior to stopping any medication.
Serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, are responsible for stress and mood responses. Specifically, they play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that many people with anxiety experience. By blocking the reuptake process, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. In this way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a consequence they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety levels or aid in reducing symptoms of panic attacks.
Norepinephrine is also essential in anxiety due to its ability to activate the amygdala which is a nebulous and primordial part of the brain associated with fear-related behaviors. SNRIs have been shown to reduce activity in this area of the brain, which could positively impact mood and anxiety as well as ease anxiety attacks.
While these medications can be very beneficial but it is important to keep in mind that they do carry a risk of increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals. Due to this, they are often only prescribed in higher doses for a short-term time. Additionally, these drugs can interact with several other medications and substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions or over-the counter medicines. Also keep them informed of any underlying conditions like heart issues and bleeding issues. Be aware that certain patients have reported adverse reactions to SNRIs like dry mouth and nausea.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines -- or benzos or benzos, as they're commonly referred to -- are quick-acting medications that help reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. They can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, like social anxiety and panic disorder particularly if other treatments, like SSRIs or psychotherapy (talk therapy), don't work. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, such as while you wait for an antidepressant start working. Benzos include diazepam, lorazepam as well as temazepam and flurazepam.
Because they're fast-acting, they typically begin working within 30 minutes. The meds don't last in the body for very long, which is why they must be regularly taken to reap the full benefits. Benzos shouldn't be used for long periods as they can trigger physical dependence and addiction. Benzos are not recommended for those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of those problems.
People who use benzos for long periods of period of time, usually without medical supervision, can develop a condition referred to as sedative-use disorder. It can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is uncommon for people who take benzos as prescribed to develop this problem however. Instead, the misuse of benzos is typically a result of other causes like alcohol abuse or depression.
Taking benzodiazepines for the long-term can cause tolerance to their effects on sedation. When you become tolerant, it takes more and more of the medication to achieve the same effect. This could lead to respiratory depression or even death. Even if you're taking benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage.
Other Medical Treatments
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the first drugs doctors will usually prescribe to treat anxiety. They alter serotonin which is responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. They can be slow to take effect, up to 12 weeks, and may cause some side effects like insomnia or nausea. SSRIs can also be used to treat mental disorders like panic disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Contrary to benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence. However, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped.
Medications in this class include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa). They can be taken on their own or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or family doctors with specialized expertise in the field of medication management.
Doctors can prescribe a class called monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as an antidepressant. They block the actions of enzymes that break chemicals into smaller pieces, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MAOIs can take as long as four weeks before they begin to work however, they aren't as quick-acting as SSRIs.
Clonidine is another medication that can be used to manage anxiety. It is often used to treat anxiety but is also used to control blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to negative effects such as hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. They can also reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in some patients.
The treatment for anxiety is usually the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. The most effective method is to work with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. They can help you identify the underlying causes for your anxiety and suggest ways to manage it without medication if required. Other options for anxiety treatment that don't require medication include eye movement desensitization, mindfulness meditation and yoga that is trauma-informed. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best option for you. Psychologists are trained to assess your symptoms and medical history and develop an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will take into consideration your particular medical history and preferences when preparing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.